COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Ameren Illinois announced on Tuesday, July 28, the utility will be providing assistance to qualified residential customers that are struggling to pay their bills due to COVID-19.
Ameren’s Tucker Kennedy told WMBD’s Greg and Dan, the “Fresh Start” program has allocated $8 million to assisting customers with past-due bills.
“We can offer up to $400 on the electric component of their bill and $300 on the natural gas component on their bill. And, it’s all really in an effort to do what we can to help customers get back on track,” Kennedy said.
A family of four with a monthly income of up to $4,367 can apply as long as they’re already receiving assistance from the Illinois Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) before applying for “Fresh Start” funds.
Illinois residents can apply for LIHEAP at HelpIllinoisFamilies.com or calling (877) 411-9276.
Ameren Illinois customers who still have a past-due balance after getting assistance from LIHEAP can apply for “Fresh Start” by calling Ameren Illinois at (800) 755-5000, Monday-Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Families of four whose income is between $4,367 and $7,642 a month could still qualify to receive up to $200 for electric bills and $150 for natural gas bills. “Fresh Start” assistance for this income range are administered through the Energy Assistance Foundation.
“There is a long lifeline out there for customers to be able to help them to get back on track, but it’s up to them to make that call,” Kennedy said.
Learn about the program at WarmNeighborsCoolFriends.org.
Payment plans are also available to Ameren Illinois customers with past-due balances, with repayment terms of up to 24 months.
Information about Ameren’s COVID-19 Economic Hardship Recovery programs can be found HERE.
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